Kazakhstan is aiming to increase the share of renewable energy in its national power mix to 50% by 2050, Deputy Minister of Energy Sanzhar Zharkeshov announced at the Future Resilience Forum in London. The event gathered global policymakers, business leaders, and experts to discuss sustainable development and climate resilience.

Zharkeshov highlighted that Kazakhstan is overhauling its energy legislation to accelerate the green transition. Reforms include transparent renewable energy auctions and updated subsoil use regulations, which have helped lower tariffs for wind and solar projects and strengthened Kazakhstan’s position as one of Central Asia’s most attractive clean energy markets.

At present, Kazakhstan operates 158 renewable energy facilities with a combined capacity exceeding 3 GW. The country plans to add another 8.4 GW by 2035. National targets set by the Ministry of Energy call for renewables to reach 15% of the energy mix by 2030 and 50% by 2050.

The government’s green energy agenda focuses on two main priorities:

· Expanding power grids to better integrate renewable sources.

· Deploying energy storage systems, including pumped storage hydropower stations, to enhance grid stability.

While renewables are central to the long-term vision, natural gas remains a key transitional fuel, providing stability and supporting emissions reductions. The government continues to expand gasification projects, convert coal-fired plants to gas, and upgrade storage and transport infrastructure.

Zharkeshov emphasized that Kazakhstan remains a reliable energy supplier and an active participant in the global energy system. The country supplies roughly 13% of the European Union’s oil imports and is cooperating with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to develop new export routes across the Caspian Sea.

“The global energy sector is undergoing a transformation driven by emission reduction policies and the shift to low-carbon sources. Kazakhstan is pursuing a balanced approach — reducing greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining energy security,” Zharkeshov stated.

He added that despite global economic headwinds, Kazakhstan’s energy sector continues to demonstrate resilience and is attracting growing interest from international investors.